Archive for January, 2009

One thing all pet owners realize very early is that pets are high maintenance. The veterinarian bills can pile up rather fast, and, as they do not get dog insurance done, they either have to shell out enormous amounts for vet bills or have no other option than to euthanize their dogs. It is a painful decision to make and completely unnecessary. The sad thing is that many dog owners tend to ignore the value of getting a dog insurance done because they feel that their dog is fine and will not have any problems. What they do not realize is getting their pet insured is a wise choice because it can potentially save the dog’s life and save the pet owner from a lot of misery. Your pet’s life is invaluable, and that is what Dog Insurance protects.

Another reason to purchase dog insurance is that you will save a lot of money. Pets have a way of working themselves into your hearts and your lives. Once you have kept a pet, you want to do everything within your power to keep the pooch happy and safe. If God forbid, your dog is injured, you may be looking at a bill that runs into thousands of dollars. The other alternative would be to get mercy killing done. You may choose to pay the money and later on try to economize on other things. Your family and you will suffer deprivation if this happens. The easier alternative would be to find a cheap dog insurance which will handle a major part of the expense.

Dog insurances actually work out well in the long run. Your dog’s needs are covered, like your dog’s annual check up, vaccinations etc all will be covered in a good policy. What you are essentially doing is planning well into the future and also preparing for some unforeseen emergency. Dog Insurance is a smart way of planning your dog expenses.

Dogs keep getting infections from other animals, which most pet owners tend to neglect because they are not dangerous, just uncomfortable. These can get worse with the neglect. If you have dog insurance and know that your bills can be reimbursed, you would get them attended to without any delay. Moreover, when dogs start aging they need a lot of care and tending. Your dog may have a genetic disease, like his dame or sire may have had arthritis or some skin ailment that your pup does not show, but will show as the pup matures. Dog insurance can help you with this situation too.

If you love your pet, you will definitely want dog insurance for your peace of mind and for your dog’s well being. There are many affordable dog insurances that you can pick from. If you research online you will definitely find an affordable dog insurance that will be just right for your needs.

Dog insurances are of many types and they depend on variables like the state you live in, the age of your dog. Most dog insurance companies do not insure puppies below eight weeks of age and dogs that are more than eight years old. If you have a dog older than eight years you could try with some companies that allow insurance of senior dogs, but these are expensive. Some policies are only applicable in certain states so check this out. Dog insurance depends also on the breed of your dog, if the company thinks your dog is high maintenance and prone to diseases, it will not insure your dog. Research all these facts, and once you have all the information, settle for dog insurance that is the best for your dog. And also reading dog insurance reviews online might be a good idea.

I am a big dog lover and love writing about pretty much anything related to dogs. Currently I am writing about Dog insurance reviews..so if you would like to read more about them come and visit us here at: http://doginsuranceblog.com﻿

So Why Do Dogs Chew Things? Here is How to Keep Your Dog From Chewing Up the House

It is normal for a dog to chew. However, it is unacceptable to allow your dog to chew shoes, stuffed animals, furniture, or remote controls. I once heard of a dog who chewed an escape hole right through a house! This same dog also devoured several remote controls and a computer mouse.

We must begin by understanding why dogs chew.
Puppies usually chew in the teething stage. Just as a baby does, a teething puppy will put items in it’s mouth to help alleviate some of the discomfort. With adult dogs, chewing is usually due to separation anxiety or boredom. Some dogs begin chewing as part of play, some simply chew because an item tastes good. But with adult dogs, most chewing is simply bad behavior.

Teething – For puppies, teething is simply a stage of their development. Human parents often use topical gels to relieve teething discomfort in their babies. Some veterinarians have had success using this same gel on puppies. Since teething is temporary, it is best to simply help the dog get through it. There are both plastic and hard rubber toys made for teething puppies. You an also give your pup ice cubes to play with, or tie a knot in a wash cloth, then freeze it. Whenever he seems to be uncomfortable, let the pup play with these frozen items. Sometimes the frozen wash cloth will only work with very small dogs. You also shouldn’t give items that might confuse the dog in what belongs to him or to you. I like to let my teething puppies chew on frozen bagels. This way he gets to eat it after going through the work of gnawing it while it thaws. I purchase a big bag of tiny bagels. These treats seem to work well.

Mouthing – At as young as 8 weeks, it is normal for puppies to have sharp little teeth. They tend to bite when they become playful and excited. Biting behaviors should always be discouraged. This is what puppies use to communicate to each other. Some owners like to rough up their pups, which may encourage the dog to return with a small bite. This type of behavior should always be discouraged.

Boredom – Your pooch may become bored and restless if he is left alone for a long time. To help him pass the time, give him activities that involve chewing. The best thing you can do is allow your dog more exercise. Keep in mind that walking some dogs relaxes and tires them, but for other dogs a walk can make them energized and pumped up. It’s best to you walk your dog, then take time to relax together. This allows for bonding time with your dog and will reinforce your relationship. Don’t forget that frozen cooked pizza dough or bagels are also good chew toys.

Fear – Many times, dogs may chew out of fear. For example, numerous dogs are afraid of thunderstorms. Also your dog may bark and chew at the window frames when another dog is walking past the window. These are both examples of defensive behavior. The “down and stay” command covered in earlier dog reports, is one of the best ways to stop this type of behavior. Teaching this command while in a positive situation, will be beneficial when the dog is displaying the negative behavior. First get the dog away from the window, then give him the “down stay” command. Sit with your dog for a moment to allow them time to relax. This gives the dog a chance to calm down.

Play – If your dog bites and chews during play time, it usually means he needs more training. Some dogs simply have more energy than others. These dogs usually require a strong exercise program in addition to the training. Play time should be structured, such as practicing jumping, or playing fetch. During exercise and play, practice multiple “down stays” both inside and outside.

Attention Seekers – Occasionally, dogs are simply looking for their owners to pay more attention to them. Some of these plays for attention include stealing, chewing, barking, limping and spinning. Most dog owners regard chewing as a negative behavior, but for a dog seeking attention, negative attention is better than none at all. If you give it no attention, the negative behavior will usually disappear.

Just Tastes Good – If something tastes good a dog will want to chew it. Certain things are palatable to dogs. This means the dog enjoys the feel of it in their mouth. Shoes, stuffed animals and wooden or leather furniture are a few examples. While the puppy is in the chewing stage, it is best to dog proof your house and not leave these types of things around your dog.

Chewing is usually not a problem if the dog is healthy, has room to roam, gets plenty of exercise and has a space of his own. Again, frozen bagels will help to cure the chewing.

For more information on this topic and more. Please take my complimentary mini course for you and your dog at the URL below. Annette Masse has been loving and respecting dogs for 25 years. ForTheLoveOfDogZ.com

How to teach your dog how to settle down using a chewtoy stuffed with foodVideo Rating: 4 / 5

PitcairnOver 400,000 copies of this treasured classic have been sold since its original publication more than 20 years agoThe book that is the definitive guide to a natural lifestyle for dogs and cats is now completely updated and revisedfor the first time in 9 years. Writing with the warmth and compassion that have won them a national following, veterinarian Richard H. Pitcairn and his wife Susan Hubble Pitcairn, noted specialists in chemical-free nutrition and natural healing for pets, show do

from a Manhattan Dog Park iImage by Terry Bain
…I don’t remember which park I was in, but these dogs were having a great time in a postage-stamp dog park/run. Lots of tennis balls, lots of running back and forth.

Evidently Pokey accomplished the impossible, found a way to smell distinctively WORSE than the dog park pond… he was suddenly their god.Image by colorblindPICASO
Shot at the Millie Bush dog park in western Houston. Note that Pokey is smelling back, but Ginger is making a slinky escape. She’s about as social as I am.

Question by Marna O: More thoughts on dog training “methods”; in relation to our individual choices of the “type” and “purpose”?
of the dog we choose.

There is a wide cross section of who I consider very experienced and knowledgeable “dog people” here. The “purpose” of their dogs vary too. The amount of training necessary to achieve the dogs’ purposes again vary. As well as what “methods” may work the best to achieve the “purpose”.

Simple pet/companion: just around the house or hiking and camping and such. Competition dogs: obedience and rally. More sport/competition dogs: agility, dock dogs, frisbee etc. Hunting dogs. Herding dogs. Protection dogs. and all the others….

To best suit each purpose, there are specific “traits” that are virtues and traits that are faults. There are “instincts” to be considered, there is temperament… “bravery”, sensitivity, willingness/biddability, and variations of “prey drive” (would that actually be instinct? hmm…)

This has been tumbling in my head for some time, originally inspired by particularly by you, Greekman, quite some time ago for all your “outspokeness” ;) then added to by the “temperate” Dutchman, and lastly by Curtis’ (who seems more contemplative) recent question on training “methods”

I think we must understand that we are all very different people, with different personalities and interests. Although we feel our chosen “breed(s) and purpose(s)” is/are the best, it is so only to us. A reflection of who we are. What we want in a dog is very different from another. Greekman admits he is a warrior, and he is doing what he wants, with the dogs he wants. And his method of training obviously is what works for his dogs and their purpose. I assume, from what I recall from his posts, that he LIKES the challenge of a “driven, pushy” dog from the start. I am not a warrior, I dislike arguments, confontations and battles. I like to “work with” and share, not necessarily “win”. And hence, I have a Border Collie. Her “instincts” are to be a working partner, to look for direction, to be “subtle”. Her first time, and every time, she has been on sheep, she is keen, quiet, careful, will drop and call off immediately. When challenged by a ewe, her first exposure at about 4 months old, she did not hesitate to charge its head and force it to turn. If a sheep breaks, she will take off after it to try to turn it, but she does not attack. She does the job, with the amount of courage she was bred to have. Would she make a protection dog? Heck no! If someone shook a stick at her, she would take it as a correction and drop to the ground! However, I have seen many “herding breeds” over the years (many who are actually protection breeds) when presented with sheep, simply charge, chase and attack, ripping the wool out, going for the throats and having to be literally beaten off the stock. That is not a type of dog I would want. Doesn’t suit me. And I totally accept you, Greekman, would not even feed my Border Collie. Not at all what would suit you. I am ok with that. But we should be understanding that either extreme, as well as the in between dogs and jobs, do have merit.

I believe when discussing “training methods”, we all must understand that the “end” result, the “purpose” of the dog is going to partially determine the basic training method. Because the dog (breed, temperament) we have chosen to best suit our purpose is going to be very, very different from someone else whose dog is for a very different purpose.

I am not, with this, challenging anyone’s training methods. I am not criticizing the use of pinch collars nor electric collars ( I have used the latter when I felt I had to resort to it). Nor “operant conditioning”, nor…….. I have admiration for effective trainers of field dogs, as I do protection dogs, as I do…. If I had a more “independent” breed, I know my training would need adjustment. If I had a “harder” breed, I know my training would have to be greatly adjusted!!

I do, secondly, want people to realize and accept that methods that are used by the “experts” here, for their “chosen purpose” dogs may not be the “best” for someone else.

NOW!!! The questions! If you are still here.

DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR “METHOD OF TRAINING” TO SUIT YOUR DOG’S PURPOSE? HAVE YOU ALTERED PART OF A METHOD?

AS TRAINING IS A CHALLENGE, HOW MUCH CHALLENGE DO YOU, PERSONALLY LIKE? ARE YOU REWARDED BY OVERCOMING CHALLENGES? AND WHAT SPECIFIC CHALLENGES DO YOU LIKE? DO YOU FEEL THESE TRAINING CHALLENGES ARE PARTIALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE METHOD OF TRAINING YOU HAVE CHOSEN? Please include your dog’s breed, and “purpose”.

Thanks for being patient. Sure wish I could have gotten one of you to edit this for post!

Yes, yes. It seems like this is a lecture…it is prelude to some questions. I just can’t help but ramble. Fortunately I find communicating with dogs much easier.
Infinitely Superior: Ah ha! Here is the wisdom hiding behind your oft-times rude comments! Thanks! Excellent reply, succinct. unlike me ;( I particularly appreciated “you might be on your dawg like a chicken on a junebug for the same thing I would be praising.” SO true!!! and the very important note on balance of training: may need “big cheering and equally firm correction”

Bcdawgma: ah! you sound just like me! oh oh, may not be a compliment….

memphis belle: excellent example of needing to go “harder”

ms manners: thank you for your great answer, specifying the “challenge” of training you most enjoy and want to put the work into is seeing “the foster dog as a puzzle to be solved”.

ah Greekman! Aren’t you glad you don’t have to have a conversation with me ;) Thank you for answering. Despite seeming to pick on you, I usually give your replies a thumbs up!

Dutchman: yes! yes! Thank you for finding the “challenge preference”. I find this consideration thought provoking.
rescue member: only praise and treats? No consequences? I think this may be the reason our human society is in dire straits.

Edit; I will not be awarding a best answer. You guys can duke it out!

Best answer:

Answer by rescue member“Yes, yes. It seems like this is a lecture…it is prelude to some questions. I just can’t help but ramble. Fortunately I find communicating with dogs much easier” ===

Good thing too, dogs might have more patience to sit through all that than I do – but then unfortunately, dogs can’t read.

You train ANY dog with positive reinforcement – praise and treats — that’s it. All the rest is talk, talk, talk.

Note: you are comparing our “human society” with the way people train dogs???
Wow — interesting thought.

As to “no consequences”, I should think anyone with an ounce of brain could figure out that undesirable behavior on the part of a dog is obviously met with a stern “no” and no reward – doesn’t take more than that to get the idea across.
Haven’t ever had to wrestle a dog to the ground and roll him over like the much praised “dog whisperer”, and I sure don’t have to smack dogs to get them to behave – a spray of water stops aggression fast enough. Key is not to let any nonsense start.

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Citation DetailsTitle: Mammary cancer: protect your dog: the threat of this common and lethal disease can be greatly diminished by spaying your dog befor

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